Ore's Gist

Counting Visits

She forgot her own children. But she remembered my dad. He’d kept showing up. That’s what survives. Audio Chapters * 00:42 The math that changes everything * 03:26 What my dad understood * 05:41 The woman who forgot her children but remembered my dad * 10:30 Why this really matters * 10:52 What remains The Math That Changes Everything I was in Canadian Tire the other day, looking for oil for my car. The guy helping me—somewhere in his 60s, maybe closer 70—was explaining to me whether a top up was worth it or whether I needed a full oil change. Then, almost casually, he mentioned he does a lot of driving. “Every weekend I go to Toronto to see my grandbaby,” he said. That’s it. That one sentence. But it stopped me. Because this man has figured out what so many of us are still trying to understand: what actually matters. What winning in life really looks like. For him, it’s spending time with his grandchild. So he drives 260km. Every. Single. Week. This hit differently because I’d been feeling the weight of isolation. As a voiceover artist working from home, I used to go entire days speaking into a microphone without speaking to anyone. The former US Surgeon General says social disconnection is as bad as smoking 15 cigarettes a day. Was I chain-smoking isolation? Let’s do some math—the kind that makes you uncomfortable. Say that grandfather has 20 more years. If he went once a year like most people, he’d have 20 visits with that child. Twenty moments. Twenty memories. But because he goes every week? He gets 1,040 visits. Over a thousand more chances to be present. To be remembered. To matter. To give and feel love. That’s not just more time. That’s a completely different life. Earlier this year, I listened to The Five Types of Wealth by Sahil Bloom. In the section on social wealth, he shared an idea that’s been haunting me ever since: you might only have a few more visits with the people you love. Not years. Visits. Think about your parents. If they’re 60 and live to 85, that’s 25 years, right? But if you only see them once a year, you don’t have 25 years left with them. You have 25 more times. Twenty-five occasions. Twenty-five hugs, twenty-five conversations, twenty-five chances to tell them you love them. What if you doubled that? Saw them twice a year instead of once? You just went from 25 moments to 50. Live in the same city and see them four times a year? That’s 100 more visits. The math is simple. But the implications shake you. What My Dad Understood Here’s what freelancing has given me, though: the ability to make different choices about proximity. When my dad, on a work trip, visited a city five hours away—he normally lives in Europe, so this was rare—I didn’t hesitate. I got in the car and drove. But here’s what I didn’t expect: that one decision created ripples of connections. My cousin also lives in that city. She got to see her uncle, my dad, which hadn’t happened in a long while. Suddenly it wasn’t just me driving to add one visit to my count with my dad. It was my cousin adding a visit to her count as well. On my way back, I stopped to see friends who lived in cities along the route. One was just 20 minutes from where my dad was staying—a friend I would have felt guilty asking to drive out of their way, but who was suddenly on my way. Another friend was two hours from home, which would normally feel too far for ‘just a visit,’ but when you’re already on the road? It’s just another stop. And then there was my dad’s friend—someone he’d known decades ago at university but hadn’t seen in person in all that time. They’d stayed loosely in touch through occasional text messages, but mostly they’d lost track of each other in the way life makes people drift. When he heard my dad was in town, he drove out to meet us and took us out for dinner. I got to sit there listening to two men in their 60s reminisce about their university days, filling in gaps in stories, laughing at memories I’d never heard before. That dinner added a moment to my dad’s count with his old friend. It added a moment to my count with my dad. It introduced me to someone from his past I’d only heard about in passing. One dinner, multiple relationships deepened. Here’s what I learned from that trip: Ten hours of driving didn’t just create two days with my dad. It created visits with my cousin, two different friends, and my dad’s university buddy. It catalyzed a reunion that might not have happened otherwise. One intentional choice rippled out. I learned this from my dad, actually. The Woman Who Remembered My dad and Forgot Her Children Remember that woman I mentioned at the beginning—the one who forgot her own children but remembered my dad? Let me tell you how that happened. When he lived in France and I lived in the UK, he’d make the drive to see me—six hours each way. But he never just drove straight through. He’d stop to see his brother near the Folkestone border. Then a family friend—a woman who’d been his mum’s friend and had hosted him during his university days. Then another woman—someone he’d met because her sister, who lives in Zimbabwe, told him about her. She’d been sickly for years, in and out of hospital, and those visits meant a lot to her. Then finally, me. Half the visits on the way there, half on the way back. To some people, this probably looked inefficient. Why turn a 12-hour round trip into a multi-day odyssey? Why not just drive straight to see your daughter and be done with it? Well, my dad understood something I’m only now fully grasping: those stops weren’t detours. They were the point. He was showing up for people who needed to be seen. People who might otherwise go weeks without meaningful connection. People he cared about and who cared about him. That first woman—his mum’s friend who’d hosted him at university—was one of those stops. Every trip while he lived in France. Then she developed dementia. My dad had moved countries by then, so the visits became less frequent. But when she turned 90, he flew back for her birthday party. She didn’t remember many people there that day. She’d forgotten some of her own children. Dementia had erased faces and names and years of shared history. But when she saw my dad walk in, something shifted. She jolted back to herself, just for a moment. She exclaimed his name. She hugged him. The other guests were stunned. She remembered him and not some of her own family members. This is what I meant at the beginning. Those “inconvenient” stops my dad made—year after year, visit after visit during those years in France—they weren’t just pleasant memories. They were carved deep enough that even when dementia stripped away almost everything else, she still recognized the man who had consistently shown up. She passed away some time after that birthday. But my dad still carries the memory of her lighting up when she saw him. He still has those years of tea in her living room, conversations on those stopover visits, the accumulation of moments that mattered enough to outlast memory itself. That’s what the visits are for. Not just to rack up numbers. But to become the kind of presence in someone’s life that survives even when their mind can’t hold onto much else. My dad is still alive. He’s in his 60s. I have time—but not unlimited time. The woman who remembered him? She’s gone now. The woman who’s been in and out of hospital? She’s doing a bit better now, but those visits my dad made when she was isolated and struggling—they mattered. When I drove five hours to see my dad recently, I wasn’t just adding to my count with him. I was learning to be the person who shows up the way he did. I’m becoming the kind of person making memories other people might remember, memories that endure when others fade. And maybe that’s the real inheritance—not just the pattern of making the drive, but understanding why the drive matters. It’s not about convenience or efficiency. It’s about being present for people when presence is what they need most. For me, that has been the real power of remote (asynchronous) work when used intentionally—not just the ability to work from anywhere—but the ability to be the person who makes connection possible. For myself, yes, but also for other people. I could rearrange my week. I could batch my recording sessions before I left. I could handle admin tasks like emails from coffee shops or hotel lobbies. I could say yes to the drive because I wasn’t asking permission from a boss or burning limited vacation days. It’s not a question of ‘Can I afford the time?’ It’s ‘Can I afford not to?’ I have time and location flexibility at the moment and that might change with more responsibilities, but while I can, I want to maximise the opportunities I have now. Why This Really Matters The former U.S. Surgeon General, Vivek Murthy, once said that social disconnection has the same mortality impact as smoking 15 cigarettes a day—worse than obesity, worse than physical inactivity. Loneliness literally shortens your life. That grandfather driving to Toronto every weekend? He’s probably adding years to his life without even knowing it. I’m doing the same, even if it doesn’t look like it. What Remains I don’t have children yet. But when I do, I want them to grow up surrounded by a community of trusted adults. I want them to feel part of something bigger. I want them to feel loved—not just by me, but by a whole network of people who show up. That starts now. With choices I’m making today. So here’s what I’m thinking about: If we might only have a limited number of visits left with the people we love, what can we do to maximize them? Sahil Bloom’s book talks about five types of wealth—not just financial wealth, but social wealth (relationships), time wealth (control over how you spend your days), mental wealth (purpose and growth), and physical wealth (health). Most people only chase the financial kind. But that grandfather driving to Toronto every weekend? He’s got all five. Not just in quantity, but in depth. Not just showing up, but being fully present. Because the alternative—the isolation, the loneliness, the regret of moments not taken—that costs us more than we realize. That grandfather knew. My dad knew. And now, so do I. Who do you want to remember you when memory itself starts to fade? Are you that person who shows up, not just when it’s convenient, but consistently enough that it carves deep? Those visits aren’t just nice. They’re what remains. Thanks for reading Ore’s Gist! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oresgist.substack.com [https://oresgist.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

The Power of Tracking Daily Wins: A 5-Minute Game-Changer for Motivation and Focus

Remember the last time you collapsed into bed, exhausted, wondering if you'd actually accomplished anything meaningful that day? This was me, most of last year! Last year, I found myself feeling constantly behind. Between pursuing a PhD, creating content, and nurturing family relationships, no matter how much I accomplished, it never felt like enough. My to-do list was always growing, and instead of feeling motivated, I felt like I was stuck in an endless cycle of catching up. But then I discovered something transformative - a gentle, five-minute daily practice that changed everything. This isn't just another productivity hack; it's about creating space to recognize and celebrate our progress in all areas of life. Let me share how shifting from tracking tasks to celebrating wins helped me find balance, joy, and genuine growth. The Inspiration: "The Gap and The Gain" The inspiration for writing my daily wins came from the book: The Gap and The Gain [https://amzn.to/4aY8twZ] by Dr. Benjamin Hardy [https://benjaminhardy.com/] and Dan Sullivan. The core idea? Most of us measure progress by looking at the gap between where we are and where we want to be. This approach often leaves us feeling frustrated. But when we measure progress by looking at how far we’ve come—the gain—we recognize our growth, build momentum, and stay motivated. One way to do this is to think back over the past year or five years and see where you were back then, compared to where you are now and what you have accomplished. This concept led me to develop a simple but powerful practice: recording my daily wins. By doing so, I can reflect on my progress and fuel my motivation for the future. This practice makes it easier to recognize small but meaningful achievements, and when accumulated over time, they paint a picture of steady growth. How I Track My Daily Wins Dr. Hardy’s advice is to take five minutes every evening to write down three wins and three potential wins for the next day. Later in this article, I will show you my template, which you can feel free to copy and use. To give you a clearer roadmap, here’s what we’re going to cover: * What I Learned - Key takeaways from practicing daily wins. * How to Do It + Template - A practical guide on setting up your own system. * Results - What changed for me after 30 days of this practice. * How It Shaped My Self-Perception * Next Steps - Should I continue? How will I refine the process? What I Learned from Daily Tracking At first, I wasn’t sure how much of a difference this practice would make. But over time, I noticed several key benefits: * I can clearly track my progress. * When I review my list in the evening, I’m sometimes motivated to push to complete certain tasks. * I look forward to giving myself a virtual pat on the back for doing what I set out to do. * I don’t have to think too hard the next day about what I want to accomplish. * While the idea is to write down just three wins, I sometimes write more when I feel inspired. * On days when I’m exhausted, I write only three wins and may or may not list next-day wins. How I Implemented the Practice To make this easy and accessible, I created a WhatsApp group just for myself called "Daily Wins 2025." This method allowed me to quickly record my wins and next-day plans in a format I could easily review. Some people might prefer to write by hand, which is recommended because it reduces distractions. However, there are benefits to having it digitally, such as being able to copy and paste it into ChatGPT or Claude.ai [http://Claude.ai] for analysis. On particularly busy or tiring days, I even recorded my wins as a voice note, which made the habit easier to maintain. Template Here's the template I used. Feel free to copy this: Daily wins 2025–01–01 * _ * _ * _ Next Day Wins * _ * _ * _ 30 Days of Daily Wins: The Results After tracking my wins for 30 days, here’s what I discovered: * I remember what I did on different days more clearly. * I have more wins than I initially realized. * It’s easy to turn this into a to-do list exercise, but I’ve adapted it to what works best for me. * The "next-day wins" help me start my day with focus and intention. * Looking back, I can identify trends and recurring wins, as well as things that have fallen by the wayside. How to Start Tracking Your Daily Wins in 5 Minutes a Day * Pick Your Tracking Method – Choose a format that works best for you. You can use: * A small notebook or journal * A notes app on your phone * A private WhatsApp or Telegram group * A voice recording if you prefer speaking over writing * Set a Reminder – Pick a time each evening (or at the end of your workday) to reflect on what you accomplished. Set an alarm or calendar reminder to build consistency. * Write Down Three Wins – Keep it simple. Think of three things you did well today, no matter how small. Examples: * Sent an important email * Completed a workout * Had a good conversation with a friend * Plan Three Wins for Tomorrow – Set three small, achievable goals for the next day. This will give you clarity and focus when you wake up. Examples: * Record a voiceover audition * Spend 30 minutes on PhD research * Call a family member * Review Weekly or Monthly – At the end of the week or month, look back at your wins. This will help you see your progress and identify patterns in your achievements. Bonus Tip: Make It Fun! * Use stickers or emojis for extra motivation 🎉 * Share wins with a friend for accountability * Experiment with different formats until you find what works best Major Wins That Stood Out As I reviewed my progress, certain accomplishments stood out: Key Personal Achievements * Completing 2 audiobook recordings. * Establishing a daily habit of exercise, Bible reading, and prayer. * Gaining clarity on my next steps in life and work. Professional & Academic Progress * Posting more videos on my personal and joint YouTube channels. * Organizing and executing a successful virtual meet-and-greet event. * Making significant progress in my PhD, including finalizing my research topic. Personal Development * Practicing drawing inspired by Productive Pete’s YouTube channel. * Journaling more frequently. * Exploring financial literacy through online courses and videos. Family & Social Life * Spending quality time with my spouse and loved ones. * Hosting family and friends. * Supporting newcomers to the country with settling in. How It Shaped My Self-Perception Tracking my daily wins gave me a greater sense of control and confidence. Instead of feeling like I was constantly falling short, I began to see myself as someone who follows through on commitments and makes steady progress. I now identify more with the mindset of growth, resilience, and discipline rather than feeling overwhelmed by everything left undone. Reinforcing the "What You Measure, You Improve" Principle This experience reinforced the truth that "what you measure, you improve." By simply paying attention to my wins, I naturally started to optimize my days for meaningful accomplishments. I found myself prioritizing important tasks, focusing on progress rather than perfection, and feeling a sense of accomplishment even in the small moments. Encouragement for You: Try Tracking Your Wins for 30 Days If you’ve ever felt stuck or unmotivated, I encourage you to try tracking your own wins for 30 days. It doesn’t have to be complex—just take a few minutes each evening to jot down three things you accomplished. With time, you may find yourself more motivated, more self-aware, and more in tune with your progress. The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters Reflecting on January, I feel a profound shift from where I was last year. Last year, I was overwhelmed, constantly feeling like I was behind. But now, I have a system that helps me see and appreciate my progress. I feel more balanced, less anxious, and much more intentional about my work and life. The practice of tracking daily wins has inspired me to keep pushing toward my goals for the year. My biggest focus remains making progress on my PhD, but I also want to: * Grow my joint YouTube channel with my husband. * Maintain a consistent posting schedule for my personal YouTube channel. * Continue prioritizing in-person connections while balancing my work commitments. How It Shaped My Self-Perception Tracking my daily wins gave me a greater sense of control and confidence. Instead of feeling like I was constantly falling short, I began to see myself as someone who follows through on commitments and makes steady progress. I now identify more with the mindset of growth, resilience, and discipline rather than feeling overwhelmed by everything left undone. By staying consistent with this practice, I look forward to seeing how much I’ve grown by the end of the year. What’s Next? Recording my daily wins has been invaluable for me. I definitely plan to continue this practice. It's a productivity hack that's worth it for me. Looking ahead, I plan to: * Keep working on my PhD. My big goal is to have my confirmation statement submitted before the deadline and to finish the write-up within the calendar year (very ambitious… I know). * Continue writing out my ideas before creating videos, as I find this process valuable. * Maintain the habit of recording daily wins, with a focus on my top three priorities each day. * Evaluate my progress at the end of each month and adjust my approach as needed. By staying consistent with this practice, I look forward to seeing how much I’ve grown by the end of the year. Whether you’re looking to boost motivation, track progress, or gain clarity in your life, I highly recommend giving this simple yet powerful habit a try! 🙏 A favour I hope you’ve been enjoying episodes of Ore’s Gist so far. I have a request I’m hoping you would oblige. I’m trying to grow the number of people who get to see what I write and the ideas I share. Consider sharing a link to this post or any other articles on your Whatsapp, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube, Threads, X, Discord or any other social media tools you use. To make it easy to do, you can just copy and share the text below: 💡 Subscribe and check out Ore’s Gist at oresgist.substack.com. You'll thank me later! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oresgist.substack.com [https://oresgist.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Doctor don't buy that house!

When a friend of mine, a doctor who had recently moved to the UK, sought my advice about buying a house, I gave him an answer he didn’t expect: “Don’t buy it.” He had just started working in the NHS, newly married, with a baby on the way. Like many, he viewed homeownership as a sign of stability and success. The bank had pre-approved him for a large loan, enough to buy a big, beautiful house. But I knew better. I told him not to go for it—not because homeownership is a bad idea, but because of the long-term strain a high mortgage could impose, especially considering his circumstances. Why I Advised Him to Think Twice The role of a doctor in the NHS is demanding, to say the least. The long hours, emotional toll, and bureaucratic challenges can leave even the most resilient professionals questioning their career paths. My friend was already feeling the weight of the system. He knew he didn’t want to remain in the NHS indefinitely and was considering a career change in the next few years. However, he hadn’t yet figured out what that next step might be. Committing to a high mortgage would have locked him into his current job, leaving little room for flexibility. Add to that the growing family expenses and the uncertainty of rising interest rates in the UK, and it became clear that buying a house at the top of his approved budget wasn’t the right move. The Power of Choosing Less Instead, I advised him to aim for a property well below the bank’s suggested amount—something comfortable, but modest enough to leave a financial buffer. This gap between what he earned and what he spent (what I call “the delta”) would give him room to breathe, both financially and mentally. A few months later, he called to thank me. His life had changed in ways he couldn’t have predicted. * Rising Costs Interest rates in the UK had gone up, significantly increasing his mortgage payments. But because he’d chosen a smaller, more affordable property, he could absorb the additional costs without sacrificing his quality of life. * Family Expenses With the arrival of his baby, his household expenses naturally increased. Still, his financial buffer allowed him to manage these changes with relative ease. * Career Flexibility He’s now actively exploring opportunities to leave the NHS and transition into a less stressful career. Thanks to his financial discipline, he has six months’ worth of savings—a runway that allows him to plan his next move without rushing into something out of desperation. Lessons in Freedom The idea of the delta isn’t just about saving money; it’s about creating the freedom to prioritize what truly matters to you. For me, that freedom allowed me to take a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to study in Brazil during my master’s program. The university covered tuition but didn’t provide funding for flights, accommodation, or living expenses. Because I had saved aggressively during my contracting jobs, I had enough of a financial buffer to spend several months in Brazil without working. That experience, which had been a dream of mine for eight years, only became possible because I prioritized saving over spending on things that didn’t align with my values. This lesson—focusing on what truly matters rather than what looks good—has shaped how I approach money. It’s a mindset I learned from my family, who modeled the value of delayed gratification and intentional spending. They taught me that financial freedom isn’t about having the most; it’s about having the flexibility to make choices that align with your goals and values. Questions for You * Personal Reflection * Have you ever faced a situation where financial freedom allowed you to make a life-changing decision? What was it? * How do you prioritize financial decisions that align with your values over societal expectations? * Shared Experiences * If you’ve worked in a high-stress job, how have you managed your finances to create a sense of stability? * For those who’ve purchased a home, how did you decide on your budget? What factors influenced your choice? * Perspective Shifts * Do you agree that living below your means can bring more freedom than aiming for the maximum you can afford? Why or why not? * What’s your “delta,” and how are you working to increase it? * Future Planning * If you could save up a six-month financial runway, what opportunity would you pursue? * What steps can you take today to align your spending with your values rather than societal pressures? The freedom of the delta is about more than money—it’s about peace of mind, flexibility, and living a life that truly reflects your priorities. What does financial freedom look like for you? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oresgist.substack.com [https://oresgist.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

From Houseboy to Professor: The Legacy of My Grandfather’s Sacrifices

A Grandfather Worth Admiring Growing up, I loved, admired, and marvelled at my maternal grandfather. He was a man who paid attention to the details, cared deeply for his family, and gave generously to others. I have countless fond memories of him, but one stands out vividly. I remember one summer holiday, my brother and I traveled back to Nigeria unaccompanied. Grandpa was the one to pick us up from the airport, and true to form, he left no stone unturned. Somehow, he managed to get permission to enter the baggage hall to ensure we were okay. Everyone knew he was there to pick up his grandchildren because he proudly told anyone who would listen. That was Grandpa in a nutshell—thoughtful, thorough, and deeply invested in those he loved. His generosity extended beyond his family. His house was often a halfway home for people transitioning from his hometown to the city. At any given time, two or three people were staying there—some temporarily, others more permanently. He even helped raise children from his hometown, especially girls, so they could have access to education. In an era when boys were often prioritised, his focus on young girls was remarkable. He had a favourite saying that summed up his philosophy on generosity: “There is enough to go round if we care to share.” It was so central to who he was that he had it printed on a motivational poster in his office. For him, helping others wasn’t just an act of kindness—it was a way of life. Humble Beginnings Grandpa loved sharing his life story with us. His father passed away when he was just eight years old, forcing him to grow up quickly to help care for his siblings. When his mother remarried, tragedy struck again—his stepfather also died young. By his teenage years, Grandpa was working to support the family, even taking on a job as a houseboy (domestic staff) to pay his school fees and contribute to household expenses. But Grandpa didn’t let his circumstances define him. He excelled in school and eventually became a university professor in Nigeria. Later, he left academia to establish his own research practice, a move that gave him both professional success and the freedom to support his family and others in need. His sacrifices didn’t just elevate him; they transformed the lives of his siblings. He practically raised his youngest brother, who later settled in the USA, and helped the rest of the family move from the countryside to the city, where opportunities were greater. Financial Wisdom and Delayed Gratification One of the things I admired most about Grandpa was his financial discipline. While his colleagues prioritised flashy lifestyles, he took a different approach. At his workplace, employees were periodically given allowances for things like upgrading cars, housing, or business-class travel. Grandpa rarely used these funds as intended. Instead, he opted for smaller upgrades and invested the rest in land and property. These were decisions made decades ago, but they continue to benefit our family to this day. When it came to business travel, he often chose economy class instead of business class. With the savings, he’d buy an extra ticket so Grandma could join him on his trips, turning them into shared adventures. These decisions weren’t about deprivation—they were about creating lasting value for his family. A Legacy of Generosity Grandpa’s investments weren’t just financial; they were deeply personal. Beyond raising his siblings and helping extended family, he created a scholarship fund for the top-performing students in his hometown. His contributions helped young people access opportunities they might never have had otherwise. This spirit of generosity inspired me deeply. Over the years, I’ve been able to support a few students in Nigeria and Zimbabwe with small-scale scholarships. My dream is to scale this up and help students across Africa access the education they need to thrive. Lessons That Shape Me Grandpa’s story has left an indelible mark on my life. Knowing his history has given me: * Confidence and Boldness: His journey reminds me that no matter where I start, there’s no limit to what I can achieve. * Financial Discipline: Watching the long-term impact of his decisions inspires me to make sacrifices today for a better tomorrow. His life is proof that delayed gratification pays off. * A Heart for Giving Back: His scholarship fund and generosity motivate me to make a meaningful impact on others, just as he did. * Gratitude: I’m grateful for the sacrifices he made to change the trajectory of our family. His efforts laid the foundation for us to dream bigger and aim higher. The Power of Familial Remembering The research of Dr. Marshall Duke and Dr. Robyn Fivush on familial remembering highlights how knowing family stories can build resilience in children. Their studies suggest that children who know their family’s ups and downs—stories of both struggle and triumph—develop a stronger sense of identity and greater emotional health. As I reflect on Grandpa’s life and the stories he shared, I see the evidence of this research in my own life. His narrative of perseverance, generosity, and wise decision-making has become part of the foundation of who I am. Knowing his history gives me the confidence to face challenges, the motivation to make wise financial decisions, and the drive to make an impact on the world. The Boy Who Became “Prof” The boy who was once known as a houseboy became a professor, lovingly referred to as "Prof" by everyone who knew him. As a child, I always felt a sense of pride when I called his office and asked to speak to Prof. That title carried the weight of his hard work, resilience, and determination, and knowing he was my grandfather made it even sweeter. Grandpa’s life wasn’t just a success story; it was a blueprint. His sacrifices taught me that with hard work, wisdom, and a heart for others, we can create a legacy that outlives us. This episode of Ore's Gist is sponsored by Voiceovers by Ore Araba [http://insightore.com/] Get professional voiceover services for your videos, ads, and more! Ore Araba is an experienced voice actor who brings your content to life with custom voice recordings. Whether you need explainer video narration, branding for your business, audiobooks, or any other voice work, Ore delivers high-quality results tailored exactly to your needs. Listen to voiceover samples and get a quote at www.insightore.com [http://www.insightore.com/]. About the author Hi 👋, I'm Ore Araba. I am an entrepreneur, voiceover artist [http://insightore.com/] and data analyst. I share stories about my experience being an entrepreneur, creator and someone living life on the unbeaten track. I'm hoping sharing the things I learn on my journey will help other people on their journeys. Subscribe to my newsletter [http://oresgist.substack.com/] - Ore's Gist to be notified when there's new gist to hear about. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit oresgist.substack.com [https://oresgist.substack.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

A Master Has Failed More Times Than a Beginner Has Tried

A few days ago, I found myself replaying some of my past failures. You know, those moments that make you cringe even years later. Some are too embarrassing to share here, but I’ll let you in on a few highlights: * When I was 14, I volunteered to lead a group at summer camp. It felt like a big deal at the time, but my group came second… from the back. We narrowly avoided last place. * The time I joined a charity I deeply believed in, only to step down because life got overwhelming. I felt like I was letting everyone down. * The jobs I lost early in my career—whether fired or made redundant—each one felt like a punch to the gut. * Singing at a university talent show and discovering later that the person recording my performance added unsolicited, snarky commentary like, “She’s singing too fast.” * The many projects I’ve started but never quite finished. * Moving to Brazil for a semester and ending up walking 30 minutes under São Paulo’s scorching sun because I couldn’t communicate well enough in Portuguese to ask a bus driver a simple question. Each of these moments stung. Some still do. As I type this, I can feel the heat of secondhand embarrassment creeping in. At first, reflecting on these memories tempted me to throw myself a pity party. Theme? “Why can’t I ever get things right?” The playlist would feature my greatest hits of “almosts” and “not quites,” and I’d invite all my self-doubt to the dance floor. Thanks for reading Ore’s Gist! Subscribe for free to receive new posts and support my work. But then, I remembered a quote that brought my pity party plans to a screeching halt: “A master has failed more times than a beginner has tried.” That simple sentence flipped the script. What if these “failures” weren’t proof of my shortcomings but evidence of growth? As I revisited those memories with fresh eyes, I saw them differently. Let me explain: 1. The Summer Camp Leader Who Nearly Came Last At 14, most group leaders were older—16 to 21 years old. The fact that I even volunteered was unusual. And while we didn’t win, our group bonded in a way that others didn’t. Everyone felt heard and seen, and we had a great time. Fun fact: many of us still keep in touch today. Nobody remembers our rank, but the friendships endure. 2. The Charity Chapter That Closed Early Even though I had to step away, I contributed in meaningful ways while I was there. I used my skills to amplify the cause and helped bring in new supporters. That experience also taught me a lot about running a registered charity—lessons I’ve carried forward. Sometimes, it’s not about how long you stay but what you do while you’re there. 3. The Early Career Setbacks Getting fired felt awful, especially when foul play was involved. But looking back, I realise it was God's mercy at work, though I couldn't see it at the time. Each dismissal was a turning point that propelled me to better opportunities. My income increased with each new role. I had exposure to different kinds of people in the workplace which built my tolerance, understanding and my ability to manage different personalities at work and outside of work. It wasn’t fun, but it was formative. 4. The Nervous Singer on Stage Singing at that talent show wasn’t about impressing anyone; it was about pushing myself out of my comfort zone. I realized that while I’d encouraged friends to take risks, I hadn’t done the same for myself. That was my last opportunity to do as an undergraduate. It was nerve-wracking, yes, but it was also empowering. Every stage experience since then has felt easier because I dared to try. 5. The Unfinished Projects Not every project needs to be completed. Some teach you skills or serve as stepping stones; others reveal what you’re truly passionate about. I’ve learned to finish what matters and let go of what doesn’t serve me anymore. 6. The São Paulo Sunburn Traveling to Brazil alone was an adventure in itself. It was my first time there. I didn’t know anyone, but I navigated a new country, learned more than enough Portuguese to get by, and gained invaluable lessons in resilience. I also made great friendships that I still nurture today. That sweltering walk? It made me learn how to ask bus drivers the questions I needed to avoid similar situations in future. These experiences remind me that failure isn’t a dead end—it’s a detour. Each stumble has helped me build resilience, sharpen skills, and grow in ways I couldn’t have anticipated. I’m far from being a master, but I’m no longer a beginner either. So, the next time you’re tempted to beat yourself up over a misstep, remember this: every master or expert was once in your shoes. The only difference is they kept trying. Keep going. Every attempt, every stumble, every cringe-worthy moment is a step closer to mastery. By the way, here's a book recommendation of someone who made a similar realisation when reflecting on the failures of his life: 📘 How to Fail at Almost Everything and Still Win Big: Kind of the Story of My Life [https://amzn.to/4jixoPo] [Affiliate Link] What's your take on this? Do you take things on even if you know there's a risk of failing? Are there things that you have failed at but learned a lot from the process let me know in the comments. I'd love to hear your perspective. This episode of Ore's Gist is sponsored by Voiceovers by Ore Araba [http://insightore.com/] Get professional voiceover services for your videos, ads, and more! Ore Araba is an experienced voice actor who brings your content to life with custom voice recordings. Whether you need explainer video narration, branding for your business, audiobooks, or any other voice work, Ore delivers high-quality results tailored exactly to your needs. See samples and get a quote at www.insightore.com [http://www.insightore.com/]. The first 15 people to leave an enquiry get 5% off their first order if they mention on the form that they got referred by this Ore's Gist Episode! About the author Hi 👋, I'm Ore Araba. I am an entrepreneur, voiceover artist [http://insightore.com/] and data analyst. I share stories about my experience being an entrepreneur, creator and someone living life on the unbeaten track. I'm hoping sharing the things I learn on my journey will help other people on their journeys. Subscribe to my newsletter [http://oresgist.substack.com/] - Ore's Gist to be notified when there's new gist to hear about. This is a public episode. 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